Roosevelt Lakes - 12.3 Miles Round-Trip

The Roosevelt Lakes are located 6.15 miles from Camp Rock Trailhead in the Mt Evans Wilderness. This cluster of small tarns sits among rolling alpine meadows under Rosalie Peak (13,575') at the head of Truesdell Creek.

While the lakes don't stand out among others in the MEW (Chicago, Lincoln, Beartracks, Abyss), the setting is particularly attractive with rangy views and an excellent chance to see bighorn sheep and mountain goats.

The route follows the Beartrack Lakes Trail 4.95 miles to the Roosevelt Lakes Trail, which splits south on a demanding 1.2 mile - 700' climb to the first lake.

The Roosevelt Lakes Trail is well-marked by cairns but ill-defined in places, especially over treeline.

Cairns are spread out and may be obstructed by willow or difficult to distinguish in open terrain. You'll have some navigational latitude on the way up, but routing must be more precise on the way down to ensure reconnection with the Beartrack Lakes Trail.

Pay close attention to the trail and key cairn locations. Begin your descent before storms threaten - hurried travel can lead to mistakes.

The Beartrack Lakes Trail begins on the east of the Camp Rock Campground. Be sure to complete the required sign-in and free permit before setting out.

The trail drops to a fork (.15 miles), turns right and crosses Bear Creek (.48 miles) into the Mt Evans Wilderness (1.15 miles : 9,420') and 485-acre Beartracks burn area.

Ostensibly barren and skeletal, the burn area is in a natural state of recovery and quite alive with grasses, flowers, berry-bearing shrubs and young aspen stands. This culled area provides unique insight to nutrient cycling, fire ecology and ecological succession.

The trail steepens through denser aspen to a crest (2.05 miles : 9,970') where it dips and moderates into a contrastingly intact spruce-fir forest. It rises steadily on mild-moderate grades to the first of two Cub Creek Trail splits (3.95 miles : 10,720').

Turn right to the 2nd Cub Creek Trail split (4.2 miles : 10,820') and go left. The Beartrack Lakes Trail undulates mildly through the 2011-2012 blowdown with good views across the Mt Evans massif to the Roosevelt Lake Trail split (4.95 miles : 11,105').

The RLT turns south and steepens considerably on a winding path that can be faint in places. It reaches treeline and turns along the edge of it (5.45 miles : 11,600'), where cairns can be especially hard to see as you weave through willow and krummholz.

The trail follows spaced-out cairns across open slopes with great views down Truesdell Creek and high ridges above. It crests (11,805') and drops to the first and largest Roosevelt Lake (6.15 miles : 11,742').

Follow social trails (right) to the second lake (6.25 miles : 11,765'), which requires a short scramble or more circuitous hop across an outlet pool to reach.

Important Trail Closure Note:

The Beartrack Lakes Trail begins within the Mt Evans State Wildlife Area. Public access is prohibited from the day after Labor Day to June 14 the following year, except for hunting permit holders during the regular deer and elk rifle season.

Worth Noting

The Roosevelt Lakes trail is steep and vague in places, especially on the transition through treeline and across high alpine terrain. Large cairns mark the route, but are spaced out across open terrain and can be difficult to distinguish, especially on the return when precise routing is important. Pay close attention to the trail and key cairn locations. Begin your descent before storms threaten - hurried travel can lead to navigation mistakes.

The 1998 Beartracks Fire burned approximately 485 acres, and is believed to have been caused by humans. The 1964 Resthouse Meadow Fire, which burned 1076 acres, can be seen from high points on the trail. It's also believed to have been caused by humans.

Camping and Backpacking Information

Dispersed backcountry camping is permitted on the Beartrack Lakes Trail, Roosevelt Lakes Trail and within the Mt Evans Wilderness.

Camp at least 100' away from any lake, stream, trail or road. Group size is limited to 15 individuals.

Campfires are permitted for dispersed backcountry camping, with potential seasonal and elevation restrictions.

Water is very limited on this trail before reaching Beartrack Lake.

When hiking or camping in the Mt Evans Wilderness, one member of each party is required to register at a Mt Evans Wilderness boundary board and carry a copy of the registration with them during their visit. There is no registration fee.

Fishing Information

Fishing is permitted in the Beartrack Lakes and Roosevelt Lakes with a valid Colorado fishing license.

Rules and Regulations

A hiker from each party must complete and carry with them a self-registration permit for travel within the Mt Evans Wilderness. There is no fee.

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times in the Mt Evans Wilderness.

Directions to Trailhead

The Camp Rock Campground and Camp Rock Trailhead is located within the Mt Evans State Wildlife Area near Evergreen CO.

From Denver, take I-70 to Exit 252 / CO-74 (Evergreen Parkway). Travel 5.3 miles on CO-74 and turn right on Stagecoach Blvd. Drive 3.2 miles on Stagecoach Blvd to Greystone Rd. Turn left on Greystone and drive .9 miles to a sharp left turn onto Witter Gulch Rd.

Continue .5 miles and turn right on to Upper Bear Creek Rd. Remain on Bear Creek Road for 9.6 miles to the Camp Rock Campground. The final 7.7 miles of Bear Creek Road are dirt. After 1.7 miles on the dirt road, veer left at a sparingly marked for the State Wildlife Area.

The dirt portion of Upper Bear Creek Road is improved but high clearance is strongly advised. The road is narrow, hilly and winding - drive cautiously and watch for wildlife.

The Beartrack Lakes Trailhead is located on the east end of the parking lot (the Cub Creek Trailhead is on the opposite end - make sure you begin on the correct trail).